Egypt is brokering talks in Cairo this afternoon between Israeli and Palestinian representatives. The discussions take place after four weeks of fighting - that have claimed almost 2,000 lives.
Thousands of Palestinians have suffered catastrophic injuries, and 500,000 people are homeless.
A ceasefire appears to be holding in Gaza since it was declared yesterday morning.
Hamas says it wants an end to the blockade of Gaza, while Israel is calling for the full de-militarisation of Hamas.
It says its 29-day mission went some of the way towards completing this mission by destroying tunnels built by Hamas to provide access to military equipment and bombs.
Meanwhile, the people of Gaza are assessing the destruction to homes and infrastructure caused by 'Operation Protective Edge'. NGOs are also warning of the long-term psychological impact on children, many of whom were severely injured, and 400 of whom were killed.
Farwaz Gerges is a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the London School of Economics. He says the odds are stacked against the talks having a successful outcome:
Our reporter, Shona Murray, who is in Gaza, spoke to grieving mother Sanaa whose two sons were killed when she allowed them to go outside and play on a swing during what she thought was an earlier cessation in hostilities:
The devastated mother is left with only her sons' belongings.
A blood stained shirt is all Sanaa has left of her 9yr son, killed alongside his brother and 12 others @BreakfastNT pic.twitter.com/WRgDJmu6X6
— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) August 6, 2014
Others have been left with horrific injuries.
6 year old Mahlda, found after 6 hours under rubble. 100% paralysed. Pregnant mother is dead. #Gaza pic.twitter.com/S8aVleB9Vh
— Shona Murray (@ShonaMurrayNT) August 5, 2014
While the charity Oxfam is warning that Gaza is on the brink of a major health crisis.
Constant air-strikes over the past month have destroyed dozens of wells, pipelines and reservoirs - leaving fresh water contaminated with raw sewage.
Oxfam Communications Officer, Alan McDonald is in Jerusalem. He says Israel needs to be put under international pressure to lift the seven year blockade on Gaza, so that food and water supplies can be brought into the region:
Originally posted 06:39
